20 English Horn Support Mechanisms, Neck Straps, and Pegs
Introduction
Neck straps are only one of many English horn support mechanisms you can use with the instrument to take weight off of the thumb. The English horn is much heavier than an oboe. Depending on your body type, such as arm length or finger length, many find a support system helps make the instrument easier to more ergonomic. While some players may use a neck strap or other support system to alleviate pain or prevent injury, these systems can also help improve technique and finger speed.
Personally, I find the weight of the English horn to cause strain on my right wrist, forearm, and shoulder. As a professional oboist and English horn player, I used a neck strap for many years. This worked well until I developed neck pain, and then I started exploring other support systems and various health and wellness resources for musicians.
There are a number of English horn support mechanisms available. I have tried every single support in this article. Yes, you read that correctly! All of the suggestions in this article have been personally purchased and put to the test.
About 80% of the English horn support mechanisms I have tried over the years.
It is my hope that this comprehensive guide will provide the information required for you to make an informed decision about what system is best for your body type and playing needs.
How to use this guide:
Overview - This section is a quick explanation of what each device is and how it functions.
Pros - Learn why each device should be considered and might be a better fit than other supports listed.
Cons - This covers the downside of each device and why it might not be a good fit for you.
Takeaways - My personal experience with each device—I am not affiliated with any of these systems, but hopefully my experience will help you decide if one will, or won’t, work for you
What to consider when choosing an English horn support:
Price - Depending on your budget, some English horn support mechanisms are more affordable than others
Flexibility - The more flexible a device is the more you can move, but the less stable it is—you’ll need to find the right balance for you
Portability - Some supports are easier to transport and setup then others—you might want one device for practicing at home and another for carting around the music building or to rehearsals
Here are the three different supports I personally use:
English horn neck strap - I do still use a standard neck strap when performing because it’s the most comfortable and natural for me.
Adjustable thumb rest - I ended up replacing my standard thumb rest with an adjustable thumb rest (#P-10) on my Marigaux. This was essential for placing my right hand lower to reduce how much I had to “stretch”. I use it with the Adapter for Adjustable Thumbrest (#P-38-A) so that I have a hole for the various supports.
ERGO Bass Support (with extended floor peg) - this is one of the pricier ones on the list, but it had the best mix of “flexibility vs stability” for me, and has become my go-to solution for practicing at home. To make quick changes, you’ll need to use the included elastic to secure the wire, and a stand extender such as the English Horn peg extenstion from Forrests (#T-03-M).
Comparison Chart
*prices subject to change
| Type | Pros | Cons | Price | Quick Purchase Link | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English horn neck strap | Neck Strap | Very flexible and portable | Heavy strain on neck and back area | $20 USD | Buy Now |
| JazzLab Saxholder Pro | Neck Strap | Very flexible and portable | Requires custom setup for EH | $63 USD | Buy Now |
| Weightless Winds (Suspender-Style Strap) | Neck Strap | Very flexible and portable | Requires pants to work best | No longer in production | Buy Now |
| Zappatini (Suspender-Style Strap) | Neck Strap | Very flexible and portable | More then one version to try | $70-$100 USD | Buy Now |
| Malzer Support | Neck Strap | Very flexible and portable | On the pricy side | $200 USD with adapter | Buy Now |
| W.R.I.S.T (for Ob or EH) | Music Stand Hook | Full weight comes off thumb and body | Time consuming attachment; requires a music stand | $184 USD | Buy Now |
| The Hook (for Ob or EH) | Music Stand Hook | Full weight comes off thumb and body; easy set up | Velcro may not last forever; requires a music stand | $75 USD | Buy Now |
| Forrests Floor (Peg – P17) | Floor Peg | Relieves all weight; flexible movement | Only fits certain bells | $110 USD | Buy Now |
| Forrests Peg (#P-31) | Floor Peg | Very sturdy solution; fits all models | Doesn’t allow you to move as much | $74 USD | Buy Now |
| Reeds’n Stuff Support | Floor Peg | Relieves all weight; flexible movement | Not 100% sturdy on some bells | $152 USD | Buy Now |
| ERGO Brass Support System (for Ob or EH) | Kickstand (chair and floor) | Relieves all weight; flexible movement | Pricier option (but one of my personal favorites) | $170 USD | Buy Now |
| “BHOB” Kickstand (for Ob or EH) | Kickstand (chair only) | Small and non-invasive | Requires a chair to use; Sometimes slips off the chair | $80 USD | Buy Now |
| The Stick Support (#P-38) (for Ob or EH) | Kickstand (chair only) | Small and non-invasive | Requires a chair to use | $60 USD | Buy Now |
| Thumb Rest Cushion (for Ob or EH) | Thumb Rest | Helps with thumb irritation | Does not eliminate any weight | $5 USD | Buy Now |
| Adjustable Thumb rest | Thumb Rest | Can eliminate pain by reducing “reach” | Does not eliminate any weight | $160 USD | Buy Now |
| Kooiman Wrist Supports (for Ob or EH) | Wrist Support | Redistributes weight onto wrist and off thumb | Requires custom setup and installation by a repair technician | Starts at $40 USD | Buy Now |
Table of Contents
English Horn Neck Straps
Standard English Horn Neck Strap
Overview
The standard English horn neck strap is designed to alleviate some of the pressure on the thumb. English horn instruments are quite heavy. The whole weight of the instrument rests on your right thumb. You may find this can cause pain in your thumb, wrist, arm, and shoulder.
A standard neck strap wraps around your neck and hangs in front of your chest. There is a hook that connects to the thumb rest on the instrument. This takes weight from your right thumb and places some of it on your neck and upper shoulders.
Many other woodwind instruments use neck straps as well, such as saxophone players. If you are considering an English horn neck strap, be sure to buy one specifically for English horn as it will be the appropriate length and size.
Pros of an English horn neck strap
It’s small, light, and extremely portable
It can hang around your neck during a performance and doesn’t require a different kind of English horn stand
It is quick and easy to take on and off
It’s flexible and allows for maximum movement
Neck straps are affordable
Cons of an English horn neck strap
It puts pressure on your neck and upper back. This can be detrimental if you have any neck or upper back issues, or if used for a prolonged period of time over many years. It can also affect your posture and breathing if your neck starts to come too forward from the weight.
The Two types of English Horn Supports
Cotton strap - more support off of wrist, but less flexible
Elastic strap - “bungee cord” type; less support off of thumb but more flexible
Takeaways (my experience)
The neck strap has never completely left my arsenal. It is affordable, portable, and flexible. It is the only support that makes me feel like I have complete freedom of movement. However, I only use a neck strap during performances now, as prolonged can cause neck pain.
Where to buy the best English horn neck strap
JazzLab Saxholder Pro
Overview
I saw a few English horn players on Instagram recommend this. While the device is made for Saxophone, they had some luck using this device. It distributes the weight evenly between your shoulders and abdomen area to take the weight almost entirely off your neck. The neck strap attached provides the same level of flexibility as a regular neck strap.
Pros
Very ergonomic and re-distributes the weight
Portable
Affordable
Cons
Difficult to make work with English horn (takes a custom setup)
Allows for more freedom and movement (similar to a neck strap)
Takeaways (my experience)
The idea of this device seemed great, however, I had a difficult time getting it to fit my instrument and body. The instructions were a bit confusing and I had a hard time getting the length to work. If you feel this type of weight distribution would work for you, it’s worth going through the setup to get it right.
Where to Buy JazzLab Saxholder
JazzLab Saxholder Pro - Image from © musiciansfriend.com
Weightless Winds (Suspender-Style Strap)
Overview
This is apparently not in production anymore, however I do want to mention this support in case it comes back. It is a neck strap that hangs in front of your body and attaches to the English horn like a regular neck strap. However, the strap doesn’t go around your neck. Instead, two straps hang down your back and can hook to your pants. This takes the pressure off your neck and instead re-distributes some of that weight to your larger shoulder muscles (which are less sensitive).
Pros
Relieves neck tension and is better for people with neck pain
Allows for more freedom and movement (similar to a neck strap)
Portable
Cons
Still places some weight on your shoulders, so it’s not ideal for anyone with neck/shoulder/back issues
It’s out of production
Takeaways (my experience)
I liked the idea of this device, but you need to be wearing pants to make it work. I am a fan of stretchy skirts and am often practicing at home in yoga pants. I found the straps pulled too much on these flexible fabrics. This device works great if you are wearing jeans, and even better, a belt, however it’s not ideal in all situations. It does come with a “belt” that you can wrap around your waist (if you were wearing a dress), but that may or may not be comfortable for each individual.
Where to Buy Weightless Winds
Weightless Winds - Image from © Amazon.com
Zappatini Saxophone Strap
Overview
This is a harness-style strap much like the weightless winds. There are two options, the regular strap that has a support bar in front, and the “easy” strap which wraps around each arm and hooks in front. Many bassoon players also use the Easy Strap.
Pros
Super portable and flexible like a neck strap
Affordable
Cons
Various sizes and styles so you’ll have to see what works for you
Takeaways (my experience)
This support was recommended to me by another oboist on Facebook when I posted this article. I haven’t tried it myself (yet), but plan to update this blog with my thoughts once I do. I will probably try the “easy” strap since I don’t like the idea of a metal hook going down my front side.
Where to buy the Zappatini
Zappatini Easy Saxophone Strap Image credit © thomann.de
Malzer Support
Overview
the Malzer Support is a neck-strap style support that distributes the weight evenly across your upper body. It has a strap (coming down from the shoulders), straps that wrap around the front part of your body, and an additional attachment that connects to the center of your stomach towards the instrument. This is very similar to how the “standing” attachment works for the ErgoBrass peg.
Pros
Portable and flexible like a neck strap
Cons
On the pricy side and requires extra attachements
Takeaways (my experience)
I haven’t tried this support yet as it was suggested by an oboist on Facebook when I posted this article. However, from the video, it looks like it could be a very flexible solution. When I get a chance to try it, I’ll update this blog with my thoughts!
Where to buy the Malzer
Malzer Support Image credit © malzer-support.com
English Horn Support Mechanisms
Supports That Attach to a Music Stand
W.R.I.S.T. - Weight Reduction Instrumental System Technology
by Chicago Reed Company
Overview
The W.R.I.S.T support system hooks to your music stand with a hand-screw system that can make it really tight and secure. It is unique because of the adjustable spring structure that gives more movement and flexibility while playing.
Pros
It is more flexible than Keith Cochranes “The Hook” in the sense that it has an adjustable spring extension
It alleviates all weight from your thumb and body
Works for both oboe and English horn - when using it for oboe it needs to be placed higher on the stand
Cons
You need a music stand to use the device
It only works when seated
It is a little time consuming to attach to the stand
It’s on the pricier side
Takeaways (my experience)
I found this device worked as advertised, but I personally felt too restricted. Even though the spring arm did give some extra flexibility, because the device requires being attached to a music stand, it wasn’t something that would allow me to play without sheet music (aka just running scales). It also takes a few minutes to set up, so it might be challenging if you are constantly moving around between practice rooms and various performance spaces. The price point makes this a better solution for professionals then students.
Where to Buy the W.R.I.S.T
You can purchase the W.R.I.S.T support system online at Hodge Products Inc, or by emailing Chicago Reed Company at chicagoreedcompany5@gmail.com.
W.R.I.S.T - Image from © hodgeproductsinc.com
The Hook
by Keith Cochrane
Overview
This English horn support wraps around your music stand with a Velcro wrap. is like the W.R.I.S.T but without the adjustable spring arm.
Pros
It’s a fraction of the price of the W.R.I.S.T system
It’s super fast and easy to assemble to a stand
It alleviates all pressure on your thumb and body
Works for both oboe and English horn - when using it for oboe it needs to be placed higher on the stand
Cons
I don’t know if the velcro could out after extended use, but Keith said he’s never had a return in 10 years!
Requires a music stand
Takeaways (my experience)
This worked just as well for me as the W.R.I.S.T system, but for a fraction of the price. I didn’t feel the W.R.I.S.T system gave enough extra flexibility to warrant the price (I wish I had bought The Hook first).
If I were to use a device attached to the music stand, I’d just this one. Even though it doesn’t have the spring arm, there was still plenty of movement as the bell of the English horn could still pivot as needed on the arm. I ultimately didn’t stick with this particular device because I, personally, needed something that wasn’t attached to a music stand so that I could have freedom to play without the stand in front of me.
Where to Buy The Hook
The Hook - Image from © keithcochrane.com
Floor Pegs
Overview
Floor pegs are a great English horn support solution because they take the entire weight of the instrument off of your body. They are portable and affordable.
Pros
They eliminate all the weight off your body
Very portable
Affordable
Offer medium flexibility in your movement and playing
Cons
Requires a stand extender so you can leave it on during performances
Not as much flexibility as a neck strap
Not all floor pegs work with each English horn model
Types of EH Floor Pegs (and my takeaways)
Forrests English Horn Bell Floor (Peg – P17)
This English horn peg only fits certain models. However, if it fits your bell, I like that it doesn’t attach to the thumb rest. While this doesn’t provide as much stability, it also gives you a little more freedom in movement. For me personally, it didn’t fit my bell, so I wasn’t able to use this particular device. Pro-Tip: I do recommend their peg extender. The #T-03-O worked well for this device (because it was shorter). Buy the Forrests English Horn Bell Floor Peg >
Image from © forrestsmusic.com
Forrests English Horn Floor Peg (#P-31)
This floor peg is similar to the P-17, but it attaches to the thumb rest and secures the bell with Velcro and a “stop”. This works for all models and bell types and it worked well for my horn. However, I ultimately didn’t feel like I had enough flexibility and movement (for me personally), although the device worked great and was one of the more stable models I had ever tried! I do recommend this for all models, especially if you are looking for something super secure. I recommend a peg extender for this one too. Buy the Forrests English Horn Floor Peg >
Image from © forrestsmusic.com
Reeds’n Stuff Support for English Horn – Floor Peg
This English horn floor peg was one of the more flexible floor pegs. The innovative system is unlike any other. I found it easy to use. The only issue I had was that my bell kept slipping in the “holder”. I suspect this was a unique situation due to my English horn model. While it felt great to use, if I moved too much, it did slip a bit. If you have a more standard English horn, I’d recommend giving this one a try.
Image from © reedsnstuff.com
Chair Pegs (Kickstands)
ERGO Brass Support System
Overview
This is probably one of my favorite English horn support options. I purchased the floor peg (which is sold separately). Both the kickstand (chair) and the floor peg completely eliminate any weight on your body. This device attaches to the thumb rest. You can rest the peg on your chair or buy the floor extender and place it on the floor.
Pros
The chair peg is thicker and therefore more sturdy then the FHRED kickstand
You can buy floor peg as well (sold separately)
You can use it standing up (with the belt plate provided)
Works for both oboe and English horn
Cons
It’s on the pricey side
Requires a thumb rest with a hole
Takeaways (my experience)
As mentioned in my introduction, this ended up being my favorite support (aside from a standard English horn neck strap). It took all the weight off of my body and still provided enough stability and flexibility to allow me to move with the instrument. While this one is on the pricey side, it was 100% worth it for me! Pro-Tip: be sure to use the attached elastic piece to secure the spring to the peg!
Where to Buy Ergobrass
ErgoBrass - Image from © hodgeproductsinc.com
Kickstand Support (BHOB)
Overview
A kickstand is like a floor peg but it is much shorter and sits on the chair between your legs. It attaches to the hook in your thumb rest.
Pros
Works for both oboe and English horn
Super small and lightweight; travels well
Doesn’t require a stand extender
Affordable
Cons
Requires a thumb rest with a hole'
Requires a chair
Takeaways (my experience)
I used this kickstand for quite a while as my primary English horn support. Ultimately, it didn’t provide enough stability for me. When I was focused and feeling the movement of the music, it would either slip off the chair or the hook mechanism would “tweak” a little. It’s a lot less invasive then some of the floor pegs, so I still use it from time to time.
Where to Buy BHOB
BHOB Kickstand - Image from © rdgwoodwinds.com
The Stick Support
Overview
This kickstand from Forrests Music was designed by John Goeble. It hooks to the thumbrest ring with a screw device for extra stability. The peg itself is thick and reinforced with rubber at the bottom to prevent slipping.
Pros
Works for both oboe and English horn
Super small and lightweight; travels well
Doesn’t require a stand extender
Affordable
Very stable and flexible
Cons
Requires a thumb rest with a hole
Requires a chair
Takeaways (my experience):
I found this kickstand to be more stable then the BHOB kickstand (at least with my instrument). Because it uses a “screw” device to hook into the ring, it is way more stable, while still offering flexibility. Of all the devices, I really liked this one a lot. It was both flexible and stable, and easy to travel with. The only downside, for me, was that I like to sit on the edge of my chair. This type of seated position doesn’t allow any room for a kickstand. If you like to sit farther back on your chair, I do recommend this support!
Where to Buy The Stick Support
The Stick Support - Image from © forrestsmusic.com
Thumb and Wrist Supports
Thumb Rest Cushion
Overview
A thumb rest cushion isn’t technically an English horn support mechanism, but can help the thumb feel more comfortable when playing the oboe or English horn. Since all of the weight rests on your right-hand thumb, the metal and cork piece can become irritating.
A thumb rest cushion doesn’t alleviate any weight of of the thumb, but if you are feeling like your skin is irritated or painful, a cushion can make your thumb much more comfortable!
Pros
Super cheap
Portable
Helps with skin irritation
Cons
Doesn’t alleviate any weight off of the thumb
Takeaways (my experience)
I’ve used these briefly, but because it doesn’t take any weight off of the thumb, I ultimately found the device useless. However, I’ve had students that have used these and loved them! My thumb doesn’t get sore or irritated from the thumb rest, so I never found much use for it.
Where to Buy Thumb Cushion
Thumbrest Cushion - Image from © amazon.com
Adjustable Thumb rest
Overview
This is an adjustable thumb rest that can replace your standard thumb rest. It screws into the back of the horn just like a regular thumb rest. However, it has an adjustable “peg screw” that allows you to move the thumb rest up or down and adjust the height for your hands. If you have smaller hands, you’ll want to adjust it down. This will make it so you don’t have to “stretch” so far and will reduce strain. If you have large hands, moving the thumb rest up, will give your fingers more space. In extreme circumstances, you can have a professional repair technician drill new holes higher up to give you more space.
Pros
If you’ve tried many different support systems and can’t get comfortable, this solution might provide the missing piece.
Easy to install
Cons
Doesn’t alleviate any weight, but can be an important addition to your setup.
Takeaways (my experience)
As mentioned in the beginning of this article, this was a key component of my personal setup even though it’s not technically an English horn support mechanism. I needed to reduce the space between the thumb rest and the keys on my right hand. Replacing my standard thumb rest with an adjustable thumb rest allowed me to place my hand lower down and eliminate “stretching” my fingers to the keys. This helped with overall strain on my fingers, thumb, and wrist.
Where to Buy an Adjustable Thumb Rest
There are two options at Forrests: (#P-10) and (#P-10-F).
Adjustable Thumbrest - Image from © forrestsmusic.com
Kooiman Wrist Supports
Overview
The Kooiman Wrist Supports can be used for English horn, clarinet, or oboe. It is a device that is installed where your normal thumb rest goes. However, it has a large “hook” that wraps around your hand near your wrist. This places the weight of the instrument evenly across your wrist and arm and takes it directly off of the thumb itself.
There are several versions of the Kooiman which include a more basic setup and their professional version. The professional version is more expensive, but comes with a lot more customization options.
Pros
Many musicians have found this system to help tremendously.
It addresses the issue directly at the wrist area, so there isn’t any need for additional pegs or larger supports
Varied price range - the starter model is very affordable
Cons
Doesn’t take all of the weight off of the wrist and arm
Requires a professional repair technician to install it
Takes a little while to get used to it and get the setup just right for you
Takeaways (my experience)
I tried the basic model and found it did help a lot with strain on my wrist. However, the custom setup kept me from really giving it a chance. I was also looking for something that would alleviate complete weight off of my shoulder (due to a back injury at the time). If you are willing to get the device properly installed and give it some time, it’s well worth a try!
Where to Buy Kooiman Wrist Support
Kooiman Wrist Support - Image from @ reedsnstuff.com
Additional Articles and Resources
IDRS Articles (requires membership)
https://www.idrs.org/publications/the-double-reed-vol-44-no-3-2021/#page=159
https://www.idrs.org/publications/the-double-reed-vol-44-no-4-2021/#page=120
https://www.idrs.org/publications/the-double-reed-vol-44-no-4-2021/#page=80
Free Articles
Conclusion
An English horn neck strap can help take the weight off of the instrument off of the thumb and support your right thumb, wrist, arm, and shoulder while playing. However, distributing some of the weight directly on the neck can cause posture issues and neck pain. There are a number of alternate ergonomic support systems available. These vary by price, ease of setup and use, stability, and flexibility. It is key that you find the right support system for your body and various playing situations.
